Men's basketballSince Akron thumped Miami, the RedHawks have returned to their status as a MAC favorite.I'm not certain that is 100 percent warranted.Miami has played an easier crossover schedule. How can it be easy if every MAC East team plays every MAC West team regardless?Well, Miami played the more difficult teams at home and the cupcakes on the road, which is part of the reason the RedHawks were 5-1 in crossover action.Despite that, you can't discount their momentum. And they also improved their defense, which was allowing about 70 points per game in their five-game losing streak.While Michael Bramos has played better, he is still the most inconsistent player in the conference. Tim Pollitz still isn't getting enough touches on offense.The Zips will travel to Oxford for a 7:30 p.m. game Tuesday. At stake is the third seed in the MAC Tournament. Right now, Akron holds the spot at 8-4, but Ohio and Miami lurk at 7-5.Millett Hall is a difficult place to win for Akron, but Kent State did it this year. Look for Miami to open as six-point favorites.